Robert J. Kerl Jr., truck driver, dies.

Robert J. Kerl Jr. of Lancaster, a retired truck driver, died Wednesday in Erie County Medical Center after a long illness. He was 59.

Born in Buffalo, he was a 1971 graduate of Bishop Timon High School.

Mr. Kerl drove a truck for Peter J. Schmitt Trucking and New Penn Trucking. He was a member of Teamsters Local 375, Depew Polish Falcons and Sons of the American Legion of Frewsburg. He also was an officer and life member of both Lancaster Nest 120, Fraternal Order of Orioles, and the Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which he also served as an emergency medical technician.

Mr. Kerl was a past president of the Lunker Angler Fishing Club.

Among his honors, he was the New York State Champion Truck Rodeo Driver in the four axle category in 1981 and 1983.

He was a member of the 1990 New York State Champion Rodeo Driver team and competed in the nationals in Texas in 1981, in which he placed 16th in the country.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, the former Carolanne Szuder; a daughter, Jennifer Armstrong; a son, James Armstrong; his mother, Joyce; and four brothers, Michael, Kevin, Keith and Patrick.